The 18-year-old has appealed to south-west employers to give him a break, claiming he is willing and able to take on any position available from hospitality to agriculture.

Arie’s seemingly never-ending job hunt was covered by Fairfax Media this week following new figures which showed the Western District has the highest youth unemployment rate out of any region in Victoria.

Originally from Hamilton, he left school at 16 due to bullying and moved to Warrnambool to pursue a career in hospitality after working part-time at a fast food outlet.

Arie told The Standard that a number of good Samaritans offered to give him a hand up following the national publicity but no job offers had been extended as yet.

“I’ve been offered a lot of help which has been great,” the 18-year-old said.

“One bloke has offered to help write up a resume or CV, another bloke offered to buy me a new suit. People have gone out of their way to help.”

Arie said he was committed to finding work within the region and has lodged 780 applications for jobs at everything from cafes to farms during the past few years. The school-leaver has attempted to enlist in the military but said he was denied entry because of severe asthma.

“I’m happy to do anything — I’m a hard-working person, always on time, always well prepared. I’m up for any job if someone has one (available).”